Usually start with.. Dopplers of the lower or upper extremities. Its easy and inexpensive. If this is abnormal then i usually proceed to a cat scan with contrast to define the anatomy.With this information i decide if a catheter and a stent or angioplasty vs a surgical bypass is needed..
Read more...

Arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries. This happens from fat, cholesterol or other harmful substances stick to the wall of the artery and form a plaque. Over time, the plaque can grow and end up closing off most of the artery. This causes a decreased blood flow and you can get problems with the extremities from them not getting enough blood.
Read more...

Similar process. Progressive injury to the vascular wall of blood vessels feeding different tissues is the the process. The symptoms arise from compromise of the affected organ or tissue. In the extremeties, one can experience pain and cramping with use or exercise. If severe, gangrene can develop, possibly prompting amputation. Sort out risk factors and consult your healthcare provider to intervene.
Read more...

No. Ther is no way to stop it but you can decrease your risk factors. The risk factors are smoking, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. These are the main risk factors that you can control. Genetics and family history you can not control so it is better to decrease or eliminate the ones that you can.
Read more...

You can do it... Reassure them that you are doing what it takes to improve your health. This includes eating healthy, quitting smoking, regular exercise per direction of your doctor and take prescribed medications which may include blood pressure and cholesterol lowering medications, Aspirin or clopidogrel. The goal is to decrease risk of heart attack and stroke in addition to improving circulation in your legs.
Read more...

Usually start with.. Dopplers of the lower or upper extremities. Its easy and inexpensive. If this is abnormal then i usually proceed to a cat scan with contrast to define the anatomy.With this information i decide if a catheter and a stent or angioplasty vs a surgical bypass is needed..
Read more...

Arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries. This happens from fat, cholesterol or other harmful substances stick to the wall of the artery and form a plaque. Over time, the plaque can grow and end up closing off most of the artery. This causes a decreased blood flow and you can get problems with the extremities from them not getting enough blood.
Read more...

Similar process. Progressive injury to the vascular wall of blood vessels feeding different tissues is the the process. The symptoms arise from compromise of the affected organ or tissue. In the extremeties, one can experience pain and cramping with use or exercise. If severe, gangrene can develop, possibly prompting amputation. Sort out risk factors and consult your healthcare provider to intervene.
Read more...

No. Ther is no way to stop it but you can decrease your risk factors. The risk factors are smoking, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. These are the main risk factors that you can control. Genetics and family history you can not control so it is better to decrease or eliminate the ones that you can.
Read more...

You can do it... Reassure them that you are doing what it takes to improve your health. This includes eating healthy, quitting smoking, regular exercise per direction of your doctor and take prescribed medications which may include blood pressure and cholesterol lowering medications, Aspirin or clopidogrel. The goal is to decrease risk of heart attack and stroke in addition to improving circulation in your legs.
Read more...